Darling Downs (WA)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with physical location updates validated by Districts post-Census, the suburb of Darling Downs has a projected population of approximately 2,035 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 444 individuals (27.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 1,591 residents. This shift is calculated from a base resident count of 2,013, modeled by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP data, plus an additional 94 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population count translates to a density of 207 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per individual and capacity for future expansion. The suburb of Darling Downs's growth rate of 27.9% since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3%, as well as state figures, positioning the locality as a regional leader in expansion. Population gains were primarily fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly of the net increase during the studied timeframes, though natural growth and overseas arrivals also contributed positively.

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The local workforce is characterized by high skill levels, with the building sector being especially prominent. The unemployment rate sits at a very low 1.8%, while employment expanded by an estimated 0.8% over the past year. As of March 2026, there are 1,157 employed residents. This unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is typical for the region, standing at 72.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. According to Census records, a modest 11.2% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been affected by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Taxpayer statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of Darling Downs has income levels well above the national median. Taxpayers recorded a median income of $62,616 and an average income of $75,932, compared to $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $69,460 for median income and $84,231 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are positioned between the 75th and 90th percentiles nationwide. The largest income group comprises 36.1% of residents (734 individuals) earning between $1,500 and weekly, which aligns with the regional figure of in this bracket. High-income earners are well-represented, with earning more than per week. Housing costs consume of income, and strong earnings place local households in the th percentile for disposable income, with the SEIFA index ranking the area in the th decile.

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Housing types in the locality at the time of the Census were overwhelmingly single-family houses at 96.5%, with alternative structures making up 3.5%, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across metro Perth. The level of outright home ownership was 31.3%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 62.2% and rental properties making up 6.6%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,172, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to metro Perth figures of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rental costs exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up 85.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 44.5%, couples without children at 32.2%, and single-parent homes at 6.7%. The remaining 14.8% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 13.8% and group living situations at 1.3%. The median household size is 3.0 individuals, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment profiles show that 18.1% of residents hold a university qualification, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational education is highly prevalent, with 44.3% of individuals aged 15 and older holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 33.1%.

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The public transport network consists of 15 active bus stops serviced by 3 routes, which generate 205 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is moderate, with residents living an average of 562 meters from their nearest stop. Private vehicles remain the primary commuting choice for 88% of working residents, while 7% travel by train. Households own an average of 2.4 vehicles, which is higher than the regional norm. Remote work was utilized by 11.2% of residents during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Local health profiles show strong outcomes, based on mortality rates and the low prevalence of chronic conditions, particularly among younger residents. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 57% of the population (~1,167 individuals) holding policies.

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Cultural diversity metrics are comparable to the regional average, with 74.7% of the population born in Australia, 88.9% holding citizenship, and 92.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, accounting for 50.0% of residents, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

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The median age of 39 years is slightly higher than the Greater Perth median of 37 and close to the national median of 38. The 55 to 64 age bracket is overrepresented at 15.7% of the population, while young adults aged 25 to 34 are underrepresented at 8.5%. Post-Census tracking indicates that the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 12.4% to 14.6%, while the 25 to 34 bracket decreased from 11.7% to 8.5%, and the 0 to 4 group declined from 6.2% to 4.3%. Projections for 2041 suggest that the 45 to cohort will expand by (an increase of individuals), rising from to .

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Darling Downs currently has an estimated 87 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 98 children aged 0-2 and 65 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 11% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 31% by 2041 (to approximately 114 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 294. Birth rates in the area have averaged 17.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).